EPISODE · Apr 23, 2026 · 45 MIN
Falsely Accused of Blackface: The Acne Mask, the Mob, and the Fight for Justice
from The Dr. Phil Podcast
Holden Hughes was a 14-year-old freshman and football player at an elite CaliforniaCatholic school when he put on a friend’s prescription acne mask at asleep over. Three years later, in the summer of 2020 during Covid shutdowns andBLM protests, a parent obtained that old photo, posted it to social media calling it “blackface,” and organized a protest at the school, all within hours. By the next day, St. Francis High School told Holden and his family:withdraw or be expelled. No investigation. No hearing. No due process. In spring 2024, a California jury sided with Holden and set a legal precedent that private high schools must provide fair procedure before expelling students. Dr.Phil sits down with Holden and his parents, Frank and Wendy, to hear his story: what really happened that night, what the mob did to his family, and whether a jury verdict can give back the senior year, and the reputation, that was taken from him.Thank you to our sponsors that made this episode possible:You Can Do It Foundation supports meaningful media that reflects faith, family, personal responsibility, and freedom. Partnering with industry leaders, we create content that resonates and inspires. Learn more, donate and support the mission: https://ycdif.com Don’t wait! If you’re on Medicare or will be soon, reach out to Chapter: Call: (352)-845-0659 or go to https://askchapter.org/ to learn about your Medicare options and get help finding ways to save money.Diabetes doesn’t wait. And the cost of waiting can be devastating. But there is another option you need to know about. Learn more: https://drphildiabetes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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What this episode covers
A14-year-old boy puts on a friend’s prescription acne mask at a sleepover. Three years later, a photo of that moment goes viral during the peak of BLM protests, and the school kicks him out within 24 hours… no investigation, no hearing, no due process.
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Falsely Accused of Blackface: The Acne Mask, the Mob, and the Fight for Justice
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